- Doepke Fire Dept. Toys
| tnttoytrucks.com |
| #2008 Aerial Ladder |
#2008 Aerial Ladder Truck
The photo at right depicts the two versions of
the #2008 Aerial Ladder Trucks alongside the
later ("improved") version, #2014.
It is reported that there may have been a
third variation of the #2008 which featured a
flashing red light - I have never seen one.
All versions of this toy are stellar examples of
a well-made, handsome, and inspirational toy
that captivated the hearts of youngsters in
the 1950's and collectors today.
The photo at right depicts the two versions of
the #2008 Aerial Ladder Trucks alongside the
later ("improved") version, #2014.
It is reported that there may have been a
third variation of the #2008 which featured a
flashing red light - I have never seen one.
All versions of this toy are stellar examples of
a well-made, handsome, and inspirational toy
that captivated the hearts of youngsters in
the 1950's and collectors today.
| Version #1 - 1950 |
The most distinguishing feature of the first version #2008 Aerial Ladder Truck is its "lucite" windshield.
This example is missing the diamond tread running boards which commonly came loose. Another early
feature was the siren - as evidenced by the wind-up key under the ladder turret.
This example is missing the diamond tread running boards which commonly came loose. Another early
feature was the siren - as evidenced by the wind-up key under the ladder turret.
| Note the diamond plate deck and the red cylindrical knob used to extend the ladder. |
| The red serrated plastic knob on the left is used to raise and lower the main ladder system. |
| The shiny plating on this Version #1 example is as new. |
| These decals honored the town where the Doepke toys were made. |
| The Model Toys decal was located on the hose bed on all versions. |
| This box by Container Corporation of America is dated 1950. |
| Version #2 - 1951-52 |
By 1951 the "lucite" windshield was omitted as was the wind-up siren which never worked according
to the Doepke's satisaction. Other than that, the second version was much the same as the first.
to the Doepke's satisaction. Other than that, the second version was much the same as the first.
| The bell on the first two versions of the Aerial Ladder Truck was mounted on the right front corner. |
| The ladder extension and lift systems remained unchanged on Version #2. |
| This Version #2 example inexplicably uses smooth-surfaced metal for the turret deck. |
| The pressed aluminum main ladder is another defining characteristic of the first two versions. |
| The front view is faithful to the real American LaFrance from which it was modeled. |
| This rough box is dated 1951. |
| 1950 |
| 1951-52 |
| 1954 |